In South Texas, the Alice Independent School District has raised a flag of concern for parents and students involved in extracurricular activities. Superintendent Anysia Trevino circulated a warning yesterday that U.S. Border Patrol agents might start to randomly check the immigration status of students traveling on school buses. The Chron reports that the district promptly took to social media to spread the word, although the original Facebook post has since been removed.
"We want to bring to your attention an important matter regarding student travel for extracurricular activities, including sports, band, and other co-curricular events," Trevino stated in a letter, according to the Texas Tribune. The letter outlines the potential for students to be forcibly removed from buses, detained, and possibly even deported if unable to provide satisfactory documentation of lawful presence in the country. Trevino also warned that providing false information about citizenship could lead to being permanently barred from future U.S. citizenship under current immigration law.
The district, which caters to around 4,500 students, 92% of whom are Hispanic, is now reviewing its student travel waivers and considering including language that advises parents of these potential interceptions. Alice ISD's letter suggests they might also implement the measure of having an accompanying chaperone vehicle, ensuring that if a student is detained, a school administrator can remain with them while other students continue on their journey.
These developments come as President Donald Trump's administration has continued to aggressively enforce immigration laws. As per the Texas Tribune, there have been several ICE raids throughout Texas, including the Rio Grande Valley. Moreover, Governor Greg Abbott has given authorization to Texas National Guard soldiers to potentially make immigration arrests as part of an agreement with the Trump administration.
This sudden shift in enforcement policy, especially targeting the movements of students involved in school activities, has been met with silence from the Border Patrol in the Rio Grande Valley and spokespeople for the school district after business hours. The district's response reflects a growing unease among communities that were once considered safe spaces—where health care, worship, and education could take place unimpeded by the fear of immigration enforcement.
